Country Living Crafting a Business by Kathie Fitzgerald

From the Publisher

Home-based businesses are a common starting point for many entrepreneurs—and women in particular yearn for flexible hours as well as the chance to do creative work they really love. But how can that dream become reality? Find out, from the experts who already made it happen. The women artisans at the heart of this volume will inspire and motivate anyone who wants to follow in their footsteps. In illuminating in-depth profiles, they provide invaluable practical information on what it takes to get started, develop a saleable product, organize a company, market your goods, manage the finances, and handle staffing. All types of business are featured, from hand-weaving, doll making, and rug hooking to travel, interior design, and photography. Gorgeous photos showcase each businesswoman happily in her element, along with her work.
INSIDE, YOU’LL MEET:
Amy Butler, owner of Amy Butler Design
Anna Corba, owner of Found Cat Studio (home accessories)
Michelle Joy, owner of Primrose, a floral design and vintage shop
Marilyn Lysohir, owner of Cowgirl Chocolates
Lisa Norris, owner of Made by One Girl (handmade books)
Kate Shifrin Style Consultants Inc., Come Flea with Me
Jane Zaccaria, owner of Tiddlywinks and Scallywags, a child’s clothing store
And many more!

Library Journal

Fitzgerald tells the success stories of over 25 creative women who have built thriving businesses out of their artisanal skills. The shop owners, designer/producers, and service providers covered include Elisa Strauss (Confetti Cakes); Phyllis Leck (Village Weaver); Marilyn Lysohir (Cowgirl Chocolates); and Denise Allen (Allen's 19th Century General Store). Each profile includes a biography, addressing the woman's motivations and her tips for others, and is accompanied by photographs of the woman, her business enterprise, and some of her products. But that's not all. The book then offers a Business Crafting Workshop: a step-by-step guide for prospective entrepreneurs, including drawing up a business plan, product development, marketing and sales, and financial management. A list of names and addresses of helpful trade associations, books, journals, and mentors (the names and addresses of those profiled) are included. Published in conjunction with Country Living magazine, which has an annual issue profiling women entrepreneurs, the book enables the Country Living editors to go beyond those profiles and "gather many more stories in one place than...in a single issue of the magazine." A good choice primarily for public library collections.-Lucy Heckman, St. John's Univ. Lib., Jamaica, NY

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